The Colostomy After Colon Cancer Surgery
Colostomy: A surgical opening of the colon brought to the abdominal surface.
Stoma: The end of the colon that may be seen coming through the skin.
This is a description of the ostomy supplies provided to deal with a colostomy. There are lots of varieties, but this is what I used. I am impressed with the simplicity of the devices and the relative ease of use.
There are three parts to the device. The wafer (top left) is cut to the dimensions of the stoma and affixed to the abdomen. The bag (top right) attaches to the wafer with an interlocking ring. The clamp (above left) seals the bottom of the bag and provides a means for emptying it.
The wafer consists of a circle of skin-like adhesive material and an outer collar of adhesive tape. Both the circle and the tape are covered with release paper. The skin surrounding the stoma is prepared with a covering of liquid that protects it from reaction to the adhesive and helps the adhesive to adhere. When the circle has been shaped properly, the release paper is removed from it, it is placed and firmly attached to the skin. Then the release paper is removed from the outer collar and the tape is smoothed out. The pictures above (not me) illustrate the wafer placement.
The bag is attached by placing bag ring against wafer ring and pressing. If you have ever put a top on a plastic storage container, you will easily recognize the action. The picture on the right shows the beginning of this process.
Bags can be emptied, rinsed and reused, or simply disposed of when full. The wafer should be changed periodically "as required". Frequent changing may cause excess skin irritation. Three to four days is recommended. I've heard of people who went significantly longer than that. The main thing to watch for is infection or irritation on the skin near the stoma. When the bag is emptied or replaced, the stoma needs to be cleaned and examined.
There is no need for "sterility" in dealing with this - simple cleanliness is quite adequate. The colon is very accustomed to dealing with the various biota and toxins in excrement and, even though the stoma is exposed to fresh air, it remains efficient. Showering with the bag off gives ample opportunity for cleaning the stoma. When the wafer is changed, showering while the wafer is off gives a still better opportunity.
Living with a colostomy is something I wouldn't wish on anyone, but believe me it beats many alternatives. The surgeon described an option that he has in colon surgeries. It involves removal of the entire colon and attachment of the intestine directly to the rectum. Since the colon's function is to remove liquid from the excrement, the patient with this option is left with frequent, very loose stool. I will take the colostomy over that option every time.